Jann Stuckey MP, Member for Currumbin has again raised questions over the shelving of the former Public Works Committee inquiry into the idle $1.2 billion desalination plant at Tugun.

“An inquiry by the Public Works Committee into the Tugun Desalination Plant commenced in April 2008, but was put on hold when an election was called in February 2009,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Here we are on the eve of another election and the inquiry into the desalination plant still has not been completed.

“The Public Works Committee was to examine and report on aspects of the project such as value for money, suitability of the work for its purpose, cost and recurrent costs, and the impact of the work on the community, economy and environment.

“A two day parliamentary hearing was held in August 2008, was recorded in Hansard and contained some damning evidence against the Government.

“Following my calls in June 2010 for the Committee to re-activate the inquiry, the former committee Chairman, the Member for Ipswich West, said the investigation was ‘ongoing’.

“However, it was never finalised and no further progress was reported. It literally fell off the radar.

“Just what is Anna Bligh hiding from us?

“The Premier might not want to hear the inquiry findings but residents in Tugun and Currumbin certainly do.

“They are the ones who had to put up with the dirt, dust, noise and disruption to their lives, not to mention the damage to their homes and streets, during the construction and operation of the desal plant.

“We are talking about $1.2 billion of taxpayer’s money that was spent on a plant that is now sitting idle.

“I call on the Premier to explain to Queenslanders why this inquiry was never completed.

“The Bligh Government must be held accountable.

Ends

LNP Shadow Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey has welcomed the increase in flights to Queensland regional centres announced today by QantasLink.

Ms Stuckey said more flights, especially new 115-seat Boeing 717 jet services to Rockhampton and Gladstone from next month, as well as more seats on other routes, should potentially benefit regional tourism.

“Obviously the new flights will cater for demand from resource and engineering staff and business travellers, but there’s also a lot of potential here for tourism,” Ms Stuckey said.

“QantasLink will also be increasing flights from Brisbane to Mackay, Emerald, Roma, Bundaberg and providing more capacity between Cairns and Weipa, Cairns and Horn Island and between Townsville and Cloncurry/Mount Isa.

“The LNP recognises the importance of better services on regional air routes, not just for fly-in-fly-out mining and engineering staff, but also for regional communities and regional tourism which needs all the help it can get.

“The CanDo LNP team will revitalise our tourism industry as part of our four pillar economy.

“It’s time for change. It’s time to get Queensland back on track.”

Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey MP has welcomed the news that over $100,000 in funding has been awarded to community and sporting organisations in the Currumbin electorate.

“The latest round of funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund has delivered $103,853 to the Currumbin electorate, which is a major windfall for the community,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Tugun Rugby League Football Club has received $18,632 for grandstand roofing and equipment.

“Environmental group GECKO will upgrade their computer and telephone systems with a $26,340 grant.

“Court upgrades and resurfacing at the Currumbin Tennis Club will be made possible through a grant of $21,893.

“And Lanakila Paddling Club will use their $32,988 grant to purchase dragon boat equipment. 

“Other smaller grants have been received by the Gold Coast Malibu Club and the Currumbin District Horse Riding Club.

“It is excellent to see the provision of these funds going to well-deserving groups in Currumbin.

“I wish them all the best in delivering their projects.

Ends

THE LNP’s tourism strategy roadshow heads to Port Douglas tomorrow (Wednesday) with Shadow Minister Jann Stuckey set to meet with local industry leaders and stakeholders.

Ms Stuckey said the LNP’s 20 year plan to get Queensland tourism back on track had been widely applauded by tourism industry leaders as a strong pathway forward for a sector vital to the state’s economy.

“I’m looking forward to bringing the LNP’s tourism roadshow to Port Douglas to meet with locals and listen to their needs and concerns,” Ms Stuckey said.

“In Port Douglas I’ll be discussing the LNP Tourism Strategy document, released on November 23 2011 as a result of many months of consultation with operators across Queensland.

“I’ll be meeting with Port Douglas/ Daintree  Tourism members at a forum with local LNP candidate for Cook David Kempton tomorrow (Wednesday 18 January) at Sea Temple Port Douglas from 1pm.
 
Ms Stuckey said Queensland’s tourism industry had long been the envy of the rest of Australia, but had suffered under the policies of the tired, 20 year-old Labor Government.

“Labor has all its eggs in the mining basket which does little for jobs and joblessness in places like Cairns.

“Jason O’Brien is part of the Government that has let Far North Queensland tourism down. He’s been part of decision-making on carbon taxes etc all of which hurt local tourism, while failing to set out long term strategies to help for the future.

“Only the LNP is committed to getting tourism back on track through a commonsense plan that includes growing overnight visitor spending in Queensland to $30 billion by 2020, co-ordinated decision making in government and a special unit to encourage investment and infrastructure development.

“Ten years ago there were 150,000 Queenslanders working in tourism, under Labor this figure has fallen to just 118,000 people today.

“Labor just doesn’t care. It has never planned ahead — and only now on the eve of an election does it produce a discussion paper for industry input.

“The LNP’s plan not only addresses this disastrous lack of planning, but it’s adopted the National 2020 Growth Target, and will focus on growing overnight visitor expenditure in Queensland to $30 billion by 2020.”

“Pulling all the key elements of the policy together is the DestinationQ partnership which will be established in the first year of an LNP Government,” Ms Stuckey said.

“This partnership will bring together key ministers, departments, local governments, Tourism Queensland, RTOs and industry associations and operators in a forum to work together on achieving the National 2020 Growth Target.

“Rather than following the Bligh government strategy of slashing funding,  and claiming that meeting key growth targets is all too hard – under the LNP plan there will be increased Government support for tourism, improved decision making and marketing to help deliver real practical outcomes for the industry.

“The LNP says Queensland can be Australia’s premier tourism destination once again through good planning and encouraging the industry to grow and flourish.”

THE LNP’s tourism strategy roadshow lands in Cairns tomorrow (Tuesday) with Shadow Minister Jann Stuckey set to meet with local industry leaders and stakeholders.

Ms Stuckey said the LNP’s 20 year plan to get Queensland tourism back on track had been widely applauded by tourism industry leaders as a strong pathway forward for a sector vital to the state’s economy.

“I’m looking forward to bringing the LNP’s tourism roadshow to Cairns to meet with locals and listen to their needs and concerns,” Ms Stuckey said.

“In Cairns I’ll be discussing the LNP Tourism Strategy document, released on November 23 2011 as a result of many months of consultation with operators across Queensland.

TTNQ members are invited to attend a forum with local LNP candidates Gavin King, Michael Trout and Robyn Quick and myself at the Hotel Cairns on Tuesday 17 January commencing at 5pm.

Ms Stuckey said Queensland’s tourism industry had long been the envy of the rest of Australia, but had suffered under the policies of the tired, 20 year-old Labor Government.

“Labor has all its eggs in the mining basket which does little for jobs and joblessness in places like Cairns.

“Curtis Pitt and Steve Wettenhall are part of the Government that has let Cairns tourism down. One is a minister at the Cabinet table the other is a Parliamentary Secretary and they have been part of decision-making on carbon taxes etc all of which hurt Cairns and Cairns tourism, while failing to set out long term strategies to help for the future.

“Only the LNP is committed to getting tourism back on track through a commonsense plan that includes growing overnight visitor spending in Queensland to $30 billion by 2020, co-ordinated decision making in government and a special unit to encourage investment and infrastructure development.

“Ten years ago there were 150,000 Queenslanders working in tourism, under Labor this figure has fallen to just 118,000 people today.

“Labor just doesn’t care. It has never planned ahead — and only now on the eve of an election does it produce a discussion paper for industry input.

“The LNP’s plan not only addresses this disastrous lack of planning, but it’s adopted the National 2020 Growth Target, and will focus on growing overnight visitor expenditure in Queensland to $30 billion by 2020.”

“Pulling all the key elements of the policy together is the DestinationQ partnership which will be established in the first year of an LNP Government,” Ms Stuckey said.

“This partnership will bring together key ministers, departments, local governments, Tourism Queensland, RTOs and industry associations and operators in a forum to work together on achieving the National 2020 Growth Target.

“Rather than following the Bligh government strategy of slashing funding,  and claiming that meeting key growth targets is all too hard – under the LNP plan there will be increased Government support for tourism, improved decision making and marketing to help deliver real practical outcomes for the industry.

“The LNP says Queensland can be Australia’s premier tourism destination once again through good planning and encouraging the industry to grow and flourish.”

State Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey MP has presented the Currumbin Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) with a brand new Queensland flag to adorn their facility.

“I am pleased to be presenting the Currumbin VMR with a new Queensland flag to fly proudly at the VMR building,” Ms Stuckey said.  

“This vital organisation is staffed by dedicated volunteers who give up their time to keep an eye out for boaties and others crossing the often treacherous Currumbin bar.

“They are also tireless campaigners, joining me in keeping the pressure on local and state governments for a solution to improve the long-standing dangers that the bar presents year after year.

“Established over 30 years ago, Currumbin VMR logs an average of 6,500 boats crossing the bar each year, all of which can benefit from their presence and 24 hour emergency assistance.  

“Currumbin VMR also provides advice on weather and tidal information to boaties, and offers assistance to community groups using the Tallebudgera or Currumbin Creeks.

“President Gary Brown and his team have a local knowledge of the bar that is second to none, making them an invaluable resource and a source of safety for our coastal community.  

“Sadly, the Labor Government has refused to increase funding to support these vital services over the last decade, meaning crucial upgrades for safety equipment and facilities can only be afforded through the VMR’s own fundraising efforts.

“While it is only a small gesture, hopefully this bright new Queensland flag can boost morale and give the organisation a renewed sense of optimism for the year ahead.

“Anyone with an interest in joining or donating to this worthy organisation should contact the VMR on (07) 5534 1000

Ends

BLIGH Labor and its Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt were desperately attempting to buck-pass responsibility for their years of neglect of Queensland’s tourism sector by crying poor to the Federal government.

LNP Shadow Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said Queensland tourism rightfully deserved Federal support, but responsibility for neglect, lack of leadership and hostile operating conditions lay squarely at the feet of the tired, 20-year Labor government.

“Minister Jarratt has dropped the ball and is now blaming everyone else,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Minister is missing the mark on tourism funding by trying to claim events funding that isn’t even in her portfolio.

“This is a Minister in a government that will say anything as we head to the polls.

“After 20 years, why is Bligh Labor now expecting the Federal government to come through with some rescue cash.

“Minister Jarratt seems to have returned from Christmas holidays, read the reports of the Federal support package for car manufacturers in marginal Labor seats in Victoria and South Australia and thought – gee, I’d like some of that too.

“Problem is, those sort of support programs take months, even years, to eventuate and for Minister Jarratt to cry poor to Canberra on the eve of an election shows absolute naivety of the process of making proper arguments with supporting case applications for that sort of support.

“To go bleating to the media about needing cash is not the way to go.

“Only the LNP has a clear and industry-supported 20-year plan to get Queensland tourism back on track.

“Our plan has been widely applauded by industry leaders as a strong pathway forward for a sector vital to the state’s economy.

“But the only way this plan can be implemented is for the Bligh government to be voted out at the election.

“It’s time for change. It’s time to get Queensland back on track.”

Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey MP has condemned the Labor Government for failing to properly consult with the local community affected by the proposed Boral quarry bordering Tallebudgera Valley.

“A reply to a Question on Notice* I asked in Parliament in the final sitting week of last year reveals a total failure to consult with local residents over the designation of this site as a Key Resource Area (KRA) in the State Planning Policy 2/07,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Consultation on the draft State Planning Policy: ‘Protection of Extractive Resources’ was undertaken way back in 2004 with key stakeholders identified by the Labor Government.

“These stakeholders included local governments, environmental, indigenous, industry, planning and development groups, and state agencies.

“Omitted from this supposed consultation process were the very residents who would be affected by this project.

“Further, only one public workshop was held regarding the designation of KRAs for the Gold Coast, Logan and Beaudesert areas – in Beenleigh, not the Gold Coast but Beenleigh.

“It is an indictment on this lazy and arrogant Labor Government that those most affected by this proposal, the residents and landowners in the tranquil Tallebudgera Valley, were not considered as deserving of direct consultation.

“Residents were completely unaware of Boral’s plans for a quarry until the shock announcement in November 2010 that devastated our community.

“For a project of this size and nature – a quarry operating 6 days a week for the next 40 years – it is totally unacceptable for a state Government to act with such disregard and contempt towards its constituents.

“This is yet another display of Labor’s absolute indifference to proper community involvement when it comes to planning and consulting on major infrastructure projects.

“It’s time for a change. Not Labor, not this time.

Ends

*Link to QON No. 2056 2056-2011 – KRA 96

AUSTRALIA’S worst treasurer Andrew Fraser has arrogantly refused to answer a simple parliament question on tourism spending.

LNP Shadow Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jann Stuckey said Labor’s Andrew Fraser was showing a total disregard for accountability.

“We have a dedicated tourism body in Queensland and the treasurer was asked to supply a breakdown of the $36 million of taxpayers’ money that the Bligh government apparently spent in the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation,” Ms Stuckey said.

“But Mr Fraser obviously believes that the public doesn’t need to know how their money is being spent.  He refused to supply the figures required.

“What is the acting premier trying to cover-up – is it waste, or an embarrassing mismanagement of the $36 million?

“Mr Fraser has form in the waste and mismanagement area.  He lost the state’s AAA credit-rating and is responsible for pushing the total state debt out to $85 billion.

“That debt alone is set to cost taxpayers nearly $600,000 every hour of the day – in interest alone.

“Tourism is one of Queensland’s economic pillars but unfortunately, under the tired, 20-year Labor government has been left to wither due to a bumbling minister – and a secretive treasurer who has no economic credibility left.

“Queensland’s struggling tourism sector can’t afford another three years of Labor mismanagement and waste.

“It’s time for a change.  It’s time to get Queensland back on track,” Ms Stuckey said.

*Link to QON 2040-2011 – DEEDI Tourism breakdown

LABOR’S $7 million Whitsunday airport upgrade announcement today was a pathetic attempt by Jan Jarratt to hoodwink locals, the LNP said today.

LNP Shadow Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jann Stuckey said today’s announcement was nothing more than an expensive con job to cover-up Labor’s broken election promise to the region.

“The upgrade, which has been delivered a year behind schedule and $3 million over budget, will not deliver any expansion of the runway – none at all,” Ms Stuckey said.

“It’s a political scam on the eve of an election by the Labor’s Tourism Minister and local Member because the entire runway at the airport, south of Proserpine, needs to be completely resurfaced.

“In 2009, Labor promised a fair dinkum upgrade that included runway improvements.

“Jan Jarratt promised that airport renovations and runway resurfacing would attract more tourists to the Whitsundays.

“All they’ve got under Jan Jarratt is a better building, but no upgraded runway that the airlines have been calling for before any extra flights.

“This is a Minister who sat back and watched her mate Mike Brunker gouge one third of Tourism Whitsundays budget from local operators.

“Queensland’s struggling tourism sector can’t afford another three years of Labor inaction, not now.

“It’s time for a change.  It’s time to get Queensland back on track,” Ms Stuckey said.